I like starting hikes from St Huberts. There is a good sized free parking area that generally is almost empty. Each time I go to The Garden I worry that it will be full. In fact the first time using The Garden I got the last spot!
Usually trailheads start right at the parking area so leaving the car you go right onto a trail into the woods. The first time starting at St Huberts it felt a little strange walking up the road to the Country Club then along Lake Road. Occasionally a car or bus would pass me on Lake Rd stirring up dust but it does give pretty quick access deeper into the hills and returning at the end of the day it was really nice to have an easy flat surface to walk on and make good time. For a good while along the road Gill brook is within sight. It's been dry so there was little water running. I'd like to see this in the early spring with snow melt.
Creek near the Flume in morning light.
A dam along Gill Brook. I could see the pipe from this paralleling the road back in the woods.
It seemed like I should have reached the trailhead already, so as I was studying the map another hiker stopped and being familiar with the area pointed out that it was only a short distance ahead. He kind of cut things short, excused himself saying he had a long hike ahead and headed off at a walking pace that was about as fast as I jog. I thought to myself, "My God, I wasn't going to keep you here for hours..." Later in the day he passed me on the way back after climbing about 5 peaks. Then I understood his desire not to waste time. (and he was still walking about as fast as I run...)
About an hour and a half up the road I come across the start of the trailhead up to Indian Head, Colvin, Elk Pass and Nippletop and turned up the trail.
At 9:26 passed the junction to Fishhawk Cliffs, Indian Head. Nippletop is 2.4 miles ahead. So far it has been easy uphill walking.
At 10:13 Junction Colvin trail. I'm following the blue signs to Nippletop now 1.9 miles ahead.
I arrived at the lakes in Elk Pass about 10:45. Skies were still mostly clear with a few CU over the peaks. This is another place that it would be nice to spend time exploring. Along the edge of this small lake there were many interesting plants. Just as I was leaving I spotted some Sundew. If only I had my macro lens and ring flash.
Leaving the ponds the trail turns sharply up. There were several areas of bare rock but plenty of cracks or foot sized lips to aid in the climb. Occasionally there were views to the NW and N. At one point I could just barely make out the golf course country club in the distance.
Of course I spend much of my time looking down at the trail planning the next step. So much of what catches my attention is something on the forest floor along the trail.
By a little after 1 PM the summit is within sight.
Beautiful view from the top!
Resting at the top with me was a young lady and a couple. I listened as she talked about some of her recent hikes in the hills. After a while she continued on leaving me with the young man and woman. While his girlfriend walked away for a few minutes, he approached me and asked if I would take a picture of them using his camera. Of course. He said he had a surprise for her. When she returned, he got down on one knee and proposed to her. What a wonderful moment to witness.
I managed to get a picture with my camera as well, a little after the big moment. Though I hesitated to put this private moment here I will as it will probably be one of the most memorable experiences of my hiking in the High Peaks. I wish the best of luck to these two young people.
Heading back down, the signs of Fall are already visible here in the higher elevations.
Bristly Beard Lichen
Rock Monster?
By 6:15 I'm on Lake Road and back to the car just as the sun is setting.
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